Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Recreating your favorite franchise at home

Randomly surfing the variety of design discussion forums out there, I found a posting on HGTV's discussion board that "revealed" several of Panera Bread's interior wall colors. I never knew they were top secret, but I can't tell you how many times I have had a client ask for their colors. Instead of using these exact colors, I steer people towards using colors appropriate for their particular spaces that may be evocative of this franchise's visual look.
That warm orangey color is from Benjamin Moore called Golden harvest 2157-02

It's great to find inspiration in spaces you love, but don't get hung up on what color was used exactly. I want to tear my hair out when I read shelter magazines stating this or that designer's favorite paint colors, giving you the exact paint brand and code, as though you can replicate their design simply by using their color choices. Colors will vary dramatically based on the context of how they are used.
House Beautiful magazine

The gold color on the right is evidently Ben Moore Semolina#2155-40, just for your reference.
Love the blue and orange combo-isn't it cheerful? And really plays up the warm honey tones in the breads.These were the only pics I was able to snap at my local Panera Bread, as evidently, picture- taking in the store is not permitted. I was quickly asked to put my camera away. Probably didn't help that I was toting this enormous camera with large lenses... Not the most subtle of approaches- I don't think I'd make a very good spy!

8 comments:

Washington Cube said...

I always carry a small camera in my purse, as well as my iPhone which takes some fairly decent photos. I've gotten away with some shots I normally wouldn't have, due to small cameras, I think. You don't get the same quality though. Sigh. Such are trade-offs.

Rachel said...

yeah, this was my friend's fancy schmancy Canon something or other camera- usually i carry my own, which is smaller, and less obvious. i actually really love my little digital camera, as it has a wide angle lens, which is great for room shots...

Joe VDB said...

HI Rachel:

love, love, LOVE your blog. I expect Panera will soon be selling a starter pack of home dec. parts packaged near the checkout -- color chips, formica chips, and a scone mix--- for those do-it-yourselfers who want the experience at home.

On second thought, Starbucks is better at monetizing the experience, and junking up the checkout.

Keep up the good work, and the excellent writing.

Joe

Joel Libava said...

Hi Rachel,
I want everyone to know. I am commenting on a color design blog. Ok. Now...
I am a franchise expert located in Cleveland, Ohio. I have never seen a blog post that uses one's local franchise interior design styke as a backdrop {Get it..backdrop hahah!} for their personal spaces. Cool idea.
Thanx!
Joel Libava
The Franchise King Blog

Rachel said...

Joe- how fantastic to hear from you!!
Joe is an incredibly talented graphic artist and painter, too. (beautiful work, btw. very Hopper-esque, I'd say)

How timely to mention Starbucks-have you seen their nostalgic new logo? (stay tuned for a post on that)

Inspiration Alley said...

I am fascinated by colour and how it affects our lives so I'm really happy that I've found your blog. I'm slowly making my way through the older posts.

Rachel said...

inspiration alley- welcome! how did you happen across this blog?

home based business opportunity said...
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